Hundreds unite in Toowoomba to honour allegedly murdered mother Jana Armstrong
Hundreds of people gathered in Toowoomba city center on Friday night to remember local mother Jana Armstrong, who was allegedly murdered by her former partner and her son’s father earlier this month.
Her four-month-old baby was among the crowd embraced by Ms Armstrong’s family, including her sister Faith Isaacs, in the regional town west of Brisbane.
Many in attendance wore green, Ms. Armstrong’s favorite color.
The family of the thirty-year-old boy raised the alarm for the first time on July 7 when they realized that his little son had not returned to him.
Ms Isaacs has previously said Ms Armstrong had always “wanted to be a mother” and “lived every minute of every day for her son”.
Ms. Isaacs and her husband, Michael, assumed custody of Ms. Armstrong’s son.
Speaking to the bereaved community on Friday night, Ms Isaacs told how she hoped Ms Armstrong would survive her death.
“We miss Jana every day,” Ms. Isaacs said.
“We will always love him, we will always remember him and we will never stop mentioning his name.
“If sharing his story saves even one person’s life, his legacy will continue to make a difference.”
“We hope Jana’s story encourages people to speak up, seek help and pay attention to those around them.”
Ms. Armstrong’s aunt, Kathy Sweedman, spoke of her niece’s devotion and love as a new mother.
“She was so much more than just my niece, she was someone I loved deeply and I feel incredibly lucky to have watched her grow into a beautiful woman.
“Most importantly, she is the most beautiful mother of her son.”
Before the alleged killer’s arrest, concerned family and friends went out in droves to search for the young mother; The wider Toowoomba community subsequently sent donations and gifts of support to the family upon news of his death.
The alleged murder shook the community, and many residents chose to leave their porch lights on when her death was confirmed.
More than $75,000 was raised to support the family and Mrs. Armstrong’s son.
Ms Isaacs thanked the community for their help.
“The support we’ve received has been overwhelming; everyone who called Jana, shared her photo, came here tonight, donated or just stood by us helped us get through the darkest time of our lives,” he said.
The vigil, hosted by Toowoomba domestic violence prevention and support group Protea Place, was attended by Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Amanda Camm, federal member Garth Hamilton and senior police.
“Every 11 days in our country, a woman is killed by someone she trusted,” Mr. Janetzki told the crowd.
“These are the women we went to school with, the women we work with, the women we play sports with, the women we share our daily lives with.”
Ex-partner charged with murder
Ms Armstrong’s car was found unlocked, parked in the middle of the road near her home in Newtown, Toowoomba, the day after she disappeared.
On July 12 his body was found by a group of pig hunters on Esk Hampton Road, about an hour away.
Her former partner and father of her child, Dharminder Singh, 48, was soon charged with murder and arson, both classed as domestic violence offences.
He was remanded in custody and will appear in Toowoomba court again on October 1.
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